Newbie guide to KBM and DM?

[diphenhydramineHCL]

I'm really interested in picking up DM and KBM, but I have no idea which controllers are suggested.

I've heard some bad things about the KOC DM controller, and I've also heard its possible to use an electronic drum set with the CS versions. This sounds like an awesome idea, and I'd much prefer to spend a couple hundred dollars on a nice controller so I can get as close to the arcade experience as possible.

Would anyone be willing to explain what controller and drum set choices are out there that would indeed work with the CS versions of GFDM?


Additionally, I'm also interested in Keyboardmania, but I know even less about it. I have no idea if there is a KBM KOC, but I assume as much. Is there some way to use an actual midi controller with KBM CS as well?

I have also heard about Keyboardmania PC. Is this an actual Konami product, or a sim?



Sorry to cram all this stuff in one post, but frankly this area of bemanistyle seems somewhat cluttered (3 games in one section!) and I didn't see any stickies that would have helped. Also trying to avoid thread resurrection if possible.

Thanks!

[rmz]

Originally Posted by diphenhydramineHCL

I'm really interested in picking up DM and KBM, but I have no idea which controllers are suggested.

I've heard some bad things about the KOC DM controller, and I've also heard its possible to use an electronic drum set with the CS versions. This sounds like an awesome idea, and I'd much prefer to spend a couple hundred dollars on a nice controller so I can get as close to the arcade experience as possible.

Would anyone be willing to explain what controller and drum set choices are out there that would indeed work with the CS versions of GFDM?

This is kind of a stupid self-plug but I have written guides for the GF/DM home releases and there's a big section on a rundown of the controllers and whatnot.

GameFAQs: Guitar Freaks & DrumMania: Masterpiece Gold (PS2) FAQ/Song Info by rmz

Memo to self: I need to finish the final update for that

[Ztype]

I've used the DM KOC, one of those cheapo midi drum sets(Bafo/ION/PD), and a Yamaha DTXpress. My honest opinion after using all those, is to shell out the money and get a DTX. It's totally worth it, and nothing else even comes close. You can find them used on ebay for decent prices, anywhere from $500-$700, they make really good standalone drum sets as well if you're into playing the drums.

[diphenhydramineHCL]

So I can safely assume that any e-drum kit with a midi out will work, if I have the correct Yamaha adaptor?

In terms of KBM, I guess the Yamaha EZ-250i is what I'm looking for. With the UX-16, could I use the EX-250i on KBM CS?

[rmz]

Originally Posted by diphenhydramineHCL

So I can safely assume that any e-drum kit with a midi out will work, if I have the correct Yamaha adaptor?

For the most part, is what I've always heard. No guarantees but people have tried some pretty weird ones and as long as they've had MIDI ports it's seemed to work all right as long as you use the UX-16.

[Ztype]

Originally Posted by diphenhydramineHCL

So I can safely assume that any e-drum kit with a midi out will work, if I have the correct Yamaha adaptor?

In terms of KBM, I guess the Yamaha EZ-250i is what I'm looking for. With the UX-16, could I use the EX-250i on KBM CS?

I personally don't know about any electronic drum working on a PS2. I was using mine on DTXmania long before the Konami brought back the GF/DM CS games, and I've never played KBM so I don't have an answer for that either. Sorry

[diphenhydramineHCL]

Originally Posted by rmz

For the most part, is what I've always heard. No guarantees but people have tried some pretty weird ones and as long as they've had MIDI ports it's seemed to work all right as long as you use the UX-16.

Well, I've got a couple midi keyboards lying around, I guess the first thing to do is hunt down the UX-16 and see if random midi devices work.

[Xythar]

Originally Posted by diphenhydramineHCL

Additionally, I'm also interested in Keyboardmania, but I know even less about it. I have no idea if there is a KBM KOC, but I assume as much. Is there some way to use an actual midi controller with KBM CS as well?

Yes and yes (although only Keyboardmania II supports a MIDI keyboard). If you can get the KOC it's pretty good, at least as good as the arcade controller, so I wouldn't bother with a MIDI keyboard unless you have one already.

I managed to find a KOC in Akihabara for about 2000 yen (~$20) but they seem to go for much more exorbitant prices on eBay, unfortunately. The game itself was much more expensive, more like 5000 yen preowned. Keyboardmania II that is, which includes both 2nd and 3rd mix. I didn't get the first one because it was on a CD and my PS2 has trouble with those.

Originally Posted by diphenhydramineHCL

I have also heard about Keyboardmania PC. Is this an actual Konami product, or a sim?

Actual Konami product. It came bundled with a specific Yamaha keyboard, I forget which. Apparently the keyboard wasn't really that great however and it didn't come bundled with better ones I think it was just Keyboardmania II with some minor alterations and a few songs removed from the list. It might have included the songs from 1st mix as well, I'm not sure.

[SOUND BOY THRILLER]

There is this mini KORG keyboard I found in a magazine for about 99 bucks which is good for KORG keyboard. Its small like the KOC and it has USB outs so it can hook up to a computer. I wonder if that would work for KBM. Its a KORG K25

[i am ryc3]

the midi keyboard yet. I know the keyboard has to have a usb slot for itFor KBM you can use a midi keyboard or.. you can buy.. the KOC at Japan Video Games - Your One Stop Shop I have both games on the ps2. I haven't gotten around to mess with to work.

[SOUND BOY THRILLER]

looks pretty awesome

[i am ryc3]

Konami Koc.

[noisy doll☆]

Honestly, I don't know if it's worth it to shell out too much for Keyboardmania. I got bored with it in a week, and I did buy the 1st mix/keyboard bundle in Japan for about 40 bucks.

[Hortence:The Muleface Mod]

Did KBMII have a controller bundle available?

[Ztype]

I've always wanted to try KBM I just can't seem to find a KOC at a reasonable price